Luke 2:13-14 says “13And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God and saying: 14‘Glory to God in the highest, And on earth peace, goodwill toward men!’ ”
Here we are racing towards Christmas and we are the ones who know the reason for the season. For God so loved the world that He sent His only Son into the World to die for the sins of the world.
Even as I write these words, do we meditate on the love and the cost that was both given (love) cost (His life) so that we might have life and that in all its fullness.
What amazing love and what an amazing legacy that was left for the world to embrace and sadly, how few do receive the gift that is being held out to the hurting and wounded and lonely people of the world.
How can we bridge the gap? Let all of us on purpose do something over the coming weeks that will cause people to see Jesus with skin on. As you have done it to the least of these My brethren, you have done it to Me (Matt 25:31-46). Especially at this time as we remember what Jesus Christ has done for us, can we reflect that love and do something for those who that maybe don’t know that love. Let the verses of Luke 2:13-14 resonate in our hearts and minds this season.
With much love, Bernie
How important is our role in society so as to make a difference, if indeed we are to be a John the Baptist generation preparing the way for the second coming of our Lord. If this is indeed our portion, and I believe it is, we must be the bearers of good fruit. Luke 3:8-14 declares that every tree must bear good fruit (we are the trees) figuratively speaking and if we don’t bear good fruit, the tree is cut down.
This spoke to the people which caused them to ask, “What shall we do then?”, and basically we are told to love in the form of this - to give to people in need if you have surplus (Luke 3:11). Look at Matthew 22:37-40. It is this law put into action by Jesus words and John’s command. The next question comes from the tax collectors and he tells them not to charge any more then they are supposed to charge (honesty was commanded); don’t intimidate anyone; no bullying; don’t accuse anyone falsely and be content with what you are paid for in your wages. He also instructed them to bless your boss by working with excellence and making the business a success.
This is a challenge to all of us whether bosses or employees as the people of God (Eph 6:5-9 and Col 3:22-25). If indeed we are preparers of the Lord’s return, we must do these things as a minimum as the call to New Testament Christians is of a higher order than in the Old Testament (Matt 5:27,28).
With much love,
Bernie
It seems that God is challenging us to be real in our Christianity and not faint hearted if indeed we are to have an impact on the world around about us.
The first mention of this word is found in Deut 20:1-20 and it is in the context of warfare and the principles as to what happens when we as individuals or as a corporate body become afraid, or tremble, or become faint hearted. We not only affect ourselves in a negative way, but we infuse that fear into others as well.
What should we do? What is the antidote?
Tremble at His Word (Is 66:2) and not be fearful of man.
Fear not for I Am is with you, the One Who will never leave us or forsake us (Heb 13:5).
The Amplified Bible puts it this way, “I will not in any way fail you nor give you up nor leave you without support. I will not, I will not, I will not in any degree leave you helpless nor forsake, not (let) you down (relax My hold on you). Assuredly not!” That should give us the courage we need to proclaim His greatness and His goodness not only for us, but for those we share our faith with and in total confidence declare My God is able to save you both in this life and in the life to come.
Let’s be real in a world that needs a good dose of real Christianity, for His glory and Honour.
Ps Bernie
At the time of writing this article, our country has just announced that our Prime Minister Kevin Rudd has stepped aside to allow our first ever female Prime Minister to lead.
My mind went to pondering the events behind this leadership change. Several newspapers announced things like, “Kevin Rudd dumped as Julia Gillard becomes Australian Prime Minister”, and, “Mr Rudd was ousted by his deputy Julia Gillard...”
If you have no understanding of politics, you pretty much get the impression that our former PM’s role was finished in the same way and as quickly as a garbage bin being emptied into one of our rubbish trucks on a weekly basis. No I’m not discussing political matters here. My aim is to challenge the motivation of our spiritual allegiance.
How often do we hear of people totally committed to Jesus one week, and then the following week their love and dedication are directed elsewhere. This “Love Change” seems to happen more often with some than a regular sock change.
I would challenge us to check our love gauges for God on a regular basis. Ask yourself, “Am I a convincing mouthpiece for God (Is 6:8)? Would I lay everything aside for God (Heb 12:1)? Whatever the cost, will I obey God (Lk 14:25-34)?" You see, like it or not, God’s leadership will never be successfully challenged. He will not be ‘dumped’ or ‘ousted’ by anyone, especially Satan. I know who I want as my Spiritual Leader. The Bible calls Him my Rear Guard (Is 52:12), my Saviour (John 4:42), the One who died for me while I was still a Sinner (Rom 5:8).
Just one more thought - if it is the actions that determine whether someone can be ‘ousted’, or ‘dumped’, I wonder who has the right to really choose with whom they want to be associated - me or God…?
Ps Adrian
In reading the Scriptures, I am constantly challenged by God’s Word and tremble at the awesomeness of our God.
As I read from Isaiah 66:2b “But on this one will I look: On him who is poor and of a contrite spirit, and who trembles at My word.” Doesn’t that just tie in with Matt 5:3, “Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.” The meaning of poor in New Testament theology is “those in affliction have confidence only in God”. Do we still tremble at His Word as the prophets of old did, or have we become blasé about His Word to us like the nation of Israel?
Jeremiah spoke and prophesied to that nation about the impending doom that was about to fall on Israel because they had rejected the Word of the Lord to them; by not letting the land have rest at the end of every six years. For over 400 years they were disobedient and because of that they were put into exile for 70 years, one for every 7 years that they disobeyed Him. 2 Chron 36:16 show us that we cannot mock God and expect to avoid any of the consequences (also read Gal 6:7-10[esp verse 7]).
Let us be that new nation under God, willing to live for Him and do His will, being known as His friends (John 15:14 and James 2:23). Amen.
Ps Bernie
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